Here are three players to watch when the Detroit Lions travel to Cleveland to battle the Browns.

Wide receiver Calvin JohnsonIt's still possible he doesn't play, but we're assuming Johnson gives it go against the Browns after practicing Thursday and Friday. But if he takes the field, how badly is the knee bothering him and how effective can he be, both as both a pass catcher and downfield blocker?

Johnson at 65 percent is still better than most receivers in the NFL and certainly an upgrade to the other options on Detroit's roster. But if he can't win his individual matchup with cornerback Joe Haden, the Browns will be able to keep their attention focused on shutting down running back Reggie Bush.

Tight end Joseph Fauria
Tony Scheffler has been ruled out with a concussion and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has already said that means an expanded role for Fauria. The undrafted rookie has played between nine and 13 snaps, mostly in the red zone, but should see considerably more playing time over the other 80 yards of the field.

Fauria is a big target with soft hands and is capable of creating matchup problems over the middle of the field.

Defensive tackle Nick FairleyFairley flashed dominance in the season-opening win over Minnesota, but suffered a shoulder injury late in the game that sidelined him the following week. Since returning to the lineup, he hasn't looked the same, recording just four tackles and zero sacks over the past three games.

Last week, the Green Bay Packers focused their attention on Ndamukong Suh and largely handled Fairley with a single blocker. Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham says Fairley has had a better week of practice this week. The Lions will need him to be more impactful with Suh in line for another steady does of double-teams.